Childrens Book Council of Australia Blue Mountains Pirate Day!

I had a ball on Saturday at my local library. As one of the local authors and illustrators invited, I ran two short workshops on writing. There were lots of other activities to do as well, such as drawing workshops, talk like a pirate competition, treasure hunt, puppet making and book buying/borrowing.
Everywhere you looked, kids were excited about reading, drawing and expressing their thoughts in writing.

Ahoy, there, ya scurvy lads!

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Wonderstruck - the sequel to Hugo Cabret

Middle Grade Readers Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick, ( Scholastic Inc) HB rrp $34.99 Reviewed by Dawn Meredith. ISBN9780545027893 This review appeared in Buzzwords Ezine for children's writers It’s 2:47am and I’ve just finished reading Wonderstruck . I couldn’t put it down. I had to read it all in one sitting. To hell with work the next day! I fell in love with Selznick’s debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, #1 New York Times children’s bestseller and winner of the 2008 Caldecott Medal among countless other awards. The 3D movie, Hugo Cabret, is due for release in 2012. I didn’t think it would be possible to produce something better, but this book captured me from the very first page. The simplicity of the dialogue and uncomplicated style belies a complex criss-crossing web of emotions and unresolved conflict, exploring themes of struggle with identity, the meaning of family, modern attitude to marriage and children, friendship and loneliness and courage. So many aspects ...

Tall Ships leave Sydney Harbour - Chilean ship The Esmeralda

I was privileged to be aboard the tugboat 'Bronzewing' the other week, when the Chilean tall ship, The Esmeralda, left Sydney Harbour. In order for our own tall ship, "The James Craig' to maneuver, she needs a tug, so we went along for the ride on a rather historic day. The weather was perfect! Conditions, calm. And we were lucky to have a naval artist onboard, Jane Bennett, who worked tirelessly the whole cruise to capture moments of sky and sail so beautifully. more of Jane's paintings here How fantastic to be in the presence of two spectacular ships of yesteryear, powered (mostly) by sail. The James Craig is owned, maintained and operated for harbour tours and longer treks around the Australian coastline by The Sydney Heritage Fleet , a volunteer organisation run completely on donations. The Esmeralda is used by the Chilean Navy to train their recruits and has an active social life. Enjoy my pics! cheers, Dawn Esmeralda (c) Dawn Meredith Esmeralda (...

ZENA SHAPTER'S new book INTO TORDON out now!!!

My gorgeous friend and colleague Zena Shapter has a new book out, one that's a LOT different to most - it had NINE authors. She is my guest today. :-) So, tell me about “Into Tordon”? “Into Tordon” follows two online gamers on an adventure that’s out of this world! It’s a middle grade novel for 8-14 year olds, set in a slightly futuristic Australia, and there are dangerous creatures, exotic cultures, scientific impossibilities, riddles, advanced technology and challenges. Our two main characters, Beth and Zane, must face them all to survive! Sounds like a wild ride! Nine of you wrote “Into Tordon” together. That sounds like a wild ride too. How did nine authors write a book together? With patience and understanding! When writing collaboratively with so many people, you have to leave your ego at the door and contribute as much as you can with enthusiasm and a good spirit, knowing full well that your actual contribution is likely to go unnoticed once the book is...

Dawn Meredith - Author

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